国际英语资讯:Spotlight: Repeatedly shooting incidents spark debate again_时事

国际英语资讯:Spotlight: Repeatedly shooting incidents spark debate again

"Everyone doesn't need to be walking around with a gun, especially people who have mental problems to start with," he said. "To me that seems like a no-brainer, but all these politicians are so afraid of taking on the NRA (National Rifle Association) lobby."

The noNPRofit NRA is opposed to just about every form of gun regulation, including restrictions on owning assault weapons. NRA makes significant financial contributions to politicians, spending over 30 million U.S. dollars during the 2016 election alone, according to reports.

Edward Scruggs, a board member of Texas Gun Sense, agrees that mental health checks should be required for prospective gun buyers.

"A modern, up to date and universal system of background checks prior to purchase would help make it more difficult for those with a history of mental illness from obtaining a gun," he said. "As it stands now, it is possible for almost any adult with an ID to buy a firearm at certain gun shows, the Internet or through private transfer - therefore bypassing a background check.

"Changing federal law to allow a digital compilation of background check records would make the system more accurate and efficient," he said.

Texas Gun Sense also favors laws, now being adopted in individual states, allowing a judge to intervene upon request when a family member believes a loved one has made a specific threat of violence against themselves or others. After a legal proceeding, a judge may decide to restrict an individual's access to firearms until they are deemed competent.